New Jersey Food Council
30 West Lafayette St., Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: 609/392-8899
Fax: 609/396-6571
Email: mailto:njfc@njfoodcouncil.com

SENATOR CONIGLIO NOT SEEKING RE-ELECTION
On Wednesday, State Senator Joseph Coniglio announced his plans not to seek re-election to the State Senate representing the 38th Legislative District.

The announcement comes on the heals of a Federal corruption probe alleging that the Senator steered grants to the Hackensack University Medical Center while receiving $5,500 per month for consulting work from the Medical Center.

Insiders believe the heavily Democratic district will remain in Democratic control one the party chooses a replacement candidate, however Senator Coniglio’s announcement will have a significant impact on this year’s election and could result in a change in power in the State Senate.

BIO SECURITY REGISTRATION LETTER
FMI has reported that some industry members may have received a letter from the FDA which states that stores may be required to register under the Bioterrorism Act. FMI reports that stores are NOT required to register and that FDA sent out the letter to a broad number of facilities without taking into account exemptions for certain facilities.

Please note that distribution centers, warehouses and central kitchens that are not part of retail facilities ARE required to register. If you have any questions, please contact Deborah White at dwhite@fmi.org.

2008 “WE CARD” MATERIALS ARE HERE!
NJFC reminds members that 2008 “We Card” materials are now available for purchase from the Coalition for Responsible Tobacco Retailing.

“We Card” materials and signage are critical for helping retailers prevent underage tobacco sale. The 2008 catalog is full of reliable favorites and powerful new training materials designed to help retailers effectively integrate “We Card” training into their existing company programs.

Materials can be ordered online at wecard.org.

FOOD COUNCIL COMMITTEE FOR GOOD GOVERNMENT BREAKFAST
The Food Council Committee for Good Government (FCCfGG), the political action arm of the New Jersey Food Council, will be holding their 34th Annual Good Government Breakfast on September 28, 2007 at the Woodbridge Hilton in Iselin, New Jersey.

This year’s event will feature a special Legislative Round Table consisting of Senate President Codey, Senate Minority Leader Lance, Assembly Speaker Roberts and Assembly Minority Whip Bramnick who will address the food distribution industry and talk about the issues that will shape the State Election in November.

Mike Ambrosio of Wakefern will be receiving the “Good Government” award for his dedication to the Food Council while State Senator Tom Kean and Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts will receive “Outstanding Legislator” awards for their accessibility and understanding of the issues important to the food industry. In addition, Gary Sondermeyer, Director of Operations for the Department of Environmental Protection, will be honored with the Thomas W. Kelly “Government Service” award. Also at the event, the FCCfGG will be recognizing former NJFC Board Members Walt Rubel of Acme Markets and Colleen Meares of Stop & Shop with the Patriot Award for their substantial contributions and efforts on behalf of the Food Council and the Political Action Committee.

Registration is expected to fill up quickly for this event. Be sure to reserve your spot today by calling the Food Council at 609-392-8899.

ON NJFC CALENDAR
Next week, the Food Council will be hosting a meeting of the NJFC Safety & Risk Management Committee on September 18, 2007 at the Crowne Plaza in Jamesburg beginning at 9:30 am.

A meeting of the NJFC Environment Committee will be held on September 21, 2007 at the Crowne Plaza beginning at 10:00 am. At the meeting, the committee will discuss the NJFC “Green Agenda” and the Administration’s expected release of the first draft of the Energy Master Plan which will act as a blue print for how New Jersey will meet future energy demands.

Businesses in New Jersey already pay some of the highest energy rates in the nation and are facing environmental public policy proposals that will further increase the cost of doing business in this State. It is important that your company attend this meeting to help develop business friendly solutions to the environmental questions of the day.

Photos Galore

Don't forget to check out our library page to view photographs from our events.